InstagramAfter more than a decade as a TV host, the question I get asked the most is "Who is your favorite person to interview?" The second most asked question: "What do you do to stay in shape?"
The answer to question number one: Meryl Streep. The answer to question number two is a little longer.
Like everyone from Oprah to Gwyneth, I've tried various diets, cleanses, and workout regimes. And I've found five key things that seem to work for me.
Remember, I'm not a doctor, so this isn't a prescription for you. Consider it an inspirational offering!
1. Weekday focus: Monday through Friday are the days I am especially concerned with what goes into my body. There are no Umami Burgers or binges on guacamole. I eat a lot of salads, fish and vegetables. I try to limit my carbs, and my beverages consist of mostly water, coffee, and an occasional glass of wine.
2. Eat organic: My family shops at our local farmer's market when we can. Watching the documentary Food Inc. changed my whole outlook on where I buy food and what food I buy. No doubt it is more expensive to eat healthy, but I've noticed fewer trips to the doctor for my kids and I, and a definite feeling of overall well being. So I eat as "clean" as possible. I swear there's a correlation to my waistline.
3. Limit meat: I went on a yoga retreat to Costa Rica about a year ago, and the meals were entirely vegetarian. At the end of those seven days I felt lighter and had boundless energy. I'm an Indiana farm girl at the core, so eliminating meat from my entire diet is next to impossible but I today I'm about 90 percent vegetarian/pescatarian.
4. Supplement: To make sure I'm getting all the good stuff, from time to time I'll supplement my regular diet with juices. I recently tried the Blue Print Cleanse for three days. Several liquid combos of kale, celery, spinach, cucumber, and parsley. I have to say—it was amazing. Again, my energy was sky high and my skin was was never more radiant! I'm also currently ub-sessed with a new algae supplement called E3Live. It's considered a "super food" and promises increased stamina, increased concentration and lower stress.
5. The Method: I try and work out two to three times a week. Keyword: Try. I practice the Tracy Anderson Method at home on DVD. This cardio dance combined with muscular structure work has really transformed my body. It focuses on the smaller ancillary muscles to give you a lean, long body. You can do this in your living room, guys—no excuses!
Bonus admission: I cheat! My friends will tell you I find it hard to pass up a jalepeno margarita, french fries, or this ridiculously rich and creamy dish my husband makes called Cauliflower Cheese. Here's the thing—don't deprive yourself! Have a strategy but if you veer off course, give yourself a break!